Hogan is back in Aus!

James Hogan, charismatic Aussie born CEO of Etihad, the national airline of the UAE arrived in Sydney [Pictured right] yesterday heralding the commencement of services to Sydney by the very highly rated carrier and also a week of celebration!

Former Ansett executive, leader of aborted Ansett takeover airline TESNA and CEO of Gulf Air, which last week had to ground its 776 fleet because of suspect cracks, Mr Hogan ran the ultimate sales pitch for Etihad a tthe launch not only proudly showing off his very smart A340 aircraft parked conveniently outside the guest marquee on the apron, but also claiming that Qantas could benefit from the Middle Eastern carrier’s plans for the Australian market by entering into a code share with the new carrier to Australia.

Mr Hogan, clearly delighted at being back in Aus, confirmed that talks were taking place with the flying Kangaroo, but would not provide any details except that the code share would assist Qantas in accessing Mediterranean born Australians wishing to travel home, though to indicate that the code shares would be via Abu Dhabi to Greece, Italy and other southern European countries.

It is understood though that Qantas is under increasing pressure from fellow members of Oneworld, including British Airways and Cathay Pacific to reject the alliance or code share, with analysts saying it would undermine the Oneworld alliance and code shares Qantas has with BA, with many travellers to Europe travelling on Qantas to London’s Heathrow Airport and on with BA.

With only two months having elapsed since Etihad’s announcement to enter the Aussie market, the carrier has managed secure a Country Manager in the form of respected aviation executive Cramer Ball, [Pictured right: clearly enjoying his day in the sun with two Aussie Etihad flight attendants] formerly with Gulf Air in Sydney, along with what appears to be the majority of the Gulf Air Sydney based team,

With Sydney Airports CEO Russell Balding and Tourism New South Wales Executive Director John O’Neill welcoming Etihad to Sydney, [Pictured below with James Hogan] Mr Hogan extended his thanks to the Federal Government for their cooperation securing their flights into Australia, but also for granting Etihad approval for 28 flights a week into Australia by 2010, but he would not reveal to which ports.

Mr Hogan said “I think the Government has been visionary in acknowledging the ability of UAE carriers to fill the gap in the Australian market created as a result of the withdrawal of most of the European carriers”, adding, “Etihad will be offering markets that have never had a one-stop flight to Australia before, including Ireland, Milan, Switzerland and Belgium now accessible by one stop through Abu Dhabi base.”

Having brought an Airbus A340- 500 to Sydney especially for the launch, perhaps reflecting the determination and flamboyant nature of the airline, Etihad’s three times weekly services to Sydney will commence on 26 March, operating on one of its three cabin A340-500 aircraft, with daily services very quickly afterwards, from 29 June 2007.

While the service offers excellent passenger facilities in it three classes, the A340-500 will also assist in the development of cargo traffic between Australia and the UAE, offering 15 tonnes of capacity at full passenger load on each flight.

The TravelMole Etihad Launch Diary

Hardware by Etihad!

Travel and Vacations’ Anthony Gallagher tries out the hot seat – help!!

Consolidated’s Warwick Blacker and AFTA’s Mike Hatton try out the pointy end!

Etihad’s new Sales Manager, ex Gulf Air, Sandi McGuinn (in the middle!) and Etihad’s Aussie flight attendants – that’s Danielle on the far left and she’s from Newcastle!